U.S. Department of State 2002 Trafficking in Persons Report - Austria

Austria (Tier 1)

Austria is primarily a transit country but is also a destination country for women trafficked into prostitution. Women are trafficked predominantly from Bulgaria, Romania, and countries from the former Soviet Union, such as Ukraine. To a lesser extent, women are also trafficked from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. Women transiting through Austria are destined for other European Union countries, especially Italy. Most trafficking victims are in Vienna.

The Government of Austria fully complies with minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, including making serious and sustained efforts to eliminate severe forms of trafficking with respect to law enforcement, protection of victims, and prevention of trafficking. Austria has several laws that prohibit trafficking. The government investigates all cases filed, and prosecutes these cases rigorously. The Austrian courts have handed down many convictions. The Interior Ministry, which was being reorganized at the time of this report, works at national and international levels to raise awareness about trafficking. Under the Interior Ministry's reorganization plan, the newly-created Federal Bureau for Criminal Affairs is expected to have a division dedicated solely to combating trafficking and alien smuggling. The Austrian government has established contacts with authorities in countries of origin to facilitate the prosecution of suspected traffickers and to disband trafficking rings. To protect victims, the government funds NGOs to provide services to victims and conduct studies of the problem. With the financial support of the Austrian government, the primary NGO in Austria serving trafficking victims provides comprehensive services. Victims outside of Vienna also have access to local government-funded services. The Austrian government provides temporary resident status for trafficked victims who are prepared to testify in court as witnesses or who intend to raise civil law claims against perpetrators. Officials may also issue a delay in deportation proceedings pending completion of a court case. Each province has at least one women's shelter, funded by local authorities, to assist trafficked victims. Regarding prevention, the Austrian government has worked actively with international organizations and regional organizations to eliminate trafficking. It has also published an informative brochure to law enforcement officials to sensitize them to the issue of trafficking.